TIPS FROM SHENANDOAH LANDSCAPE SERVICES
Spring: March, April, May
- Mulch beds early in season if not mulched in winter
- Broadcast a light application of 10-10-10 over perennial beds
- Sharpen lawn mower blades
- Lawn mowing should be done weekly with no more than 1/3 of the growth cut off at any one time. Set mowers to cut at 3 to 3 ½ inches
- Most spring-flowering shrubs can be cut back and fertilized afterflowering
- Deadhead perennials after flowering to extend bloom times in many species
- Apply pre-emergent to lawns early in March to prevent crabgrass invasion. Spray broadleaf weeds as they appear in lawn
Summer: June, July, August
- Finish pruning and fertilizing spring-flowering shrubs after blooming
- Second application of pre-emergent should be applied to lawn early in June
- Continue to spray broadleaf weeds as they appear in lawn
- A second light application of 10-10-10 over perennials along with deadheading when needed in mid-summer
- Look for insect infestation on plants and spray when needed
- Weed beds frequently to keep weeds from flowering and setting seed
- Water deeply and consistently throughout summer. At least 1 inch of water per week in 2 applications are advised